Exclusive Interview with Foursome’s Jenn McAllister and Rickey Thompson

Foursome is one of the Internet’s most widely-watched web series. Season 4 has just dropped and there are major changes coming for Andie and the rest of her ride-or-die foursome. I got the chance to talk with both Jenn McAllister and Rickey Thompson, who play Andie and Dakota respectively, about how they got started on the Internet, how they got their roles on Foursome, what they nerd out about and much more. Keep reading to see what they had to say!

Tell me how you got started on the internet.

Jenn McAllister (JM): I’ve been making videos since I was about eight years old. So when I stumbled across YouTube in 2009, it was kind of a perfect fit.

Rickey Thompson (RT): I started back in 2014! I was making Instagram skits for only my friends and family, [and] then one day my friend told me about this app called Vine. I got on it quickly and became this overnight sensation!

Was acting always a part of your plan or did you both just fall into it as a result of YouTube?

JM: Ever since I was little I wanted to be an actor, but I grew up in a small town outside of Philadelphia so it felt like more of a fantasy than an actual possibility. When I started posting videos on YouTube I didn’t necessarily think anything would come of it, but it ended up giving me a platform and the opportunity to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the industry.

RT: Acting has always been my plan! I’ve been acting ever since I was 5 and I haven’t stopped since! I was so thankful that I fell into YouTube because it’s another great platform where I can showcase my acting.

Let’s talk Foursome. Before we get to where we are this season, I want to know what your audition process was like. What did you first think of the project when you were approached about it?

JM: I actually originally got an audition for Imogen, which is funny to think about now. But when I got the audition for Andie, I immediately fell in love with the character and the writing. I thought the show was hilarious and different than anything I’ve seen before. I pretty much immediately knew I wanted to be a part of the project and was determined to book the role.

RT: When I got the audition for this role I was so excited because I relate to Dakota so much. When I went in for the audition I’m not going to lie…I MESSED UP SO BAD [laughs]! I remember walking out of that room so hurt, upset and embarrassed, but thankfully the Foursome team saw a star in me and gave me another chance. I went back for the callback and KILLED IT!! This was also the very first audition I got. This role really does mean the world to me.

For our readers who might not be familiar with the show, talk about your characters. Do you think they are similar or different to the people you are in real life?

JM: I relate to Andie in some aspects, but at the same time we also have a lot of differences. It’s fun to play a character I have parallels with because I can work from my own life experiences, but it’s also a fun challenge to dig into the parts of her that are so much different from me.

RT: Foursome is about four best friends in high school living their best lives as teens! I think a lot of things the Foursome goes through I went through as well as a teen. I feel like a lot of people can relate to this story! It’s a story of true friendship.

Season four of Foursome focuses on the OG Foursome reuniting for the first time since they were kids. What was it like building chemistry with Sarah Gilman [Wynn] and James Morosini [Hugh], since they weren’t a part of the first three seasons? 

JM: Honestly, the new cast members fit right in perfectly with the rest of the original cast. It kind of felt like they’ve always been a part of the show! There was definitely a lot of natural chemistry and on top of that I feel like our cast is so welcoming – we spent pretty much all of our free time on set hanging out with one another.

RT: It was the easiest thing! When Sarah and James came onto the show, it was like I have worked with them forever. Our chemistry matched so well and I love them so much! I’m so thankful they joined the show.

Besides reuniting with the OG Foursome, what can you tease about what’s going on for Andie and Dakota this season?

JM: I think a big theme for Andie in this season is change – a lot of change is coming her way with her friends graduating and she’s having a hard time coming to terms with it. Also, #Jandie is finally official this season so we see how they handle their new relationship and what problems emerge from that.

RT: This season Dakota graduates from high school and he has big plans! I won’t say much, but Andie and Dakota’s friendship is tested this season for sure.

From the trailer, it seems like this “Most Epic Summer” list is a big part of the season. What is the most epic summer you’ve ever had?

JM: My most epic summer was probably the summer I moved to Los Angeles. It was such an exciting time of my life because I was in a new city surrounded by new friends, just starting my career!

RT: I think the most epic summer for me was summer 2015! I had recently moved to LA and for the whole summer there was a new adventure every day. That summer right there I will never ever forget.

Foursome is the longest running YouTube Original show. What’s it feel like to be a part of that legacy and to be a part of this new wave of television? 

JM: It’s such an honor to be a part of this series. I’m so glad Foursome is seeing the success it’s seeing because the people behind the show are so hardworking and talented. Such a great cast and crew that feels like one big family and it’s what we deserve!

RT: It makes me so happy to be a part of this show. When I first got onto the show I didn’t know where it would go, but the fact that we are the longest running YouTube Original show is crazy. We are really out here killing it! I truly am thankful every day.

Both of you are still posting regular YouTube videos in addition to filming the show. First, how do you balance all of your responsibilities, and second, is it hard to find your creativity after being on set for 12+ hours a day, 6-7 days a week?

JM: It’s nearly impossible to keep up a YouTube channel while working the hours we work on the show, so I usually film all of my content before going into production. It’s the only way I can keep up with everything and make sure I’m focusing a majority of my energy on my performance!

RT: I will say it’s difficult keeping up with everything, so what I do is film a bunch of videos before shooting and that just makes everything easier.

Last question — we’re called Talk Nerdy With Us because we all have an inner-nerd. What is something you nerd out about?

JM: I nerd out hard over Box Office stats. I’m constantly checking Box Office Mojo to see how films perform.

RT: I feel like recently I have been nerding out about animals! I don’t know why, but I have been so interested in animals. How they live, what they eat, what category would you put them in… EVERYTHING.

All episodes of Foursome Season 4 are now available for streaming on YouTube Premium.